Introduction

Introduction

Rail 2008 is now in its third successful year and continues to grow each year attracting up to 300 delegates from across the rail industry.

Delegates taking part in this year's rail conference will have a number of opportunities throughout the day to network and meet with fellow professionals from the rail sector.

Our congratulations go out to our conference chair Christian Wolmar for being named Transport Journalist of the Year 2007 in the National Transport Awards.

The future for the UK's rail industry is looking bright with a number of recent announcements regarding the expansion of the network and the development and refurbishment of a number of stations across the UK.

"I think that the conference is likely to prove a significant event in the rail calendar for this year. The programme has been assembled with obvious skill, you have succeeded in securing some very high-profile speakers, and all serious players in the field would be well-advised to attend this important event." - Dr Rana Roy FCILT, Board Member TfL and International consulting economist based in Central London

The themes and topics we are planning to discuss at this years event include;

Working towards the growth of a safe, efficient and affordable railway
A more Sustainable Railway
Intelligent Transport Systems
UK Rail Freight, a joined up solution
Ticketing
Rail Safety and Security
Putting passengers first
Rail delivery in Scotland
Financing rail projects

The big discussion - We are introducing a panel session at the end of the conference to discuss the future of rail in the UK. We plan to invite the major players from the rail sector on stage together to answer delegate's questions and to pose a few questions themselves.

Please note these themes may change and may be discussed in the main plenary or seminar sessions held during the day